Salinas’ Bipartisan Bill to Promote Scientific Research Standards Passes Committee

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR) announced that her bipartisan bill with Representative Rich McCormick (R-GA) passed out of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Introduced earlier this week, the Nucleic Acid Screening for Biosecurity Act would develop technical standards and best practices for nucleic acid screening.

“From treating and diagnosing diseases to developing new vaccines, nucleic acids are used for a variety of important purposes,” said Rep. Salinas. “My legislation would help standardize screening processes and protocols for universities, companies, and researchers who work with nucleic acids. I’m proud to see this bill pass out of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee with strong bipartisan support, and I'll continue advocating for commonsense solutions that will ensure America remains a global leader in scientific research and innovation.” 

"I'm proud to co-lead the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act, an essential step toward strengthening our biosecurity using innovative, research-based solutions. This bill supports the creation of stringent, voluntary standards and guidelines that help both industry professionals and their customers. Most importantly, it gives the biotechnology sector the tools to manage risks effectively—without slowing down innovation or weakening America's global leadership in biotech," said Rep. McCormick.

Biotechnology companies routinely produce custom-ordered nucleic acids for university, industry, nonprofit, and government researchers. Although industry has worked to develop international standards related to screening molecules of concern, U.S.-led efforts are still required to further increase adoption of sufficiently rigorous protocols.

The Nucleic Acid Screening for Biosecurity Act authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) to carry out programs to support the development of technical standards and best practices related to nucleic acid screening. It would codify nucleic acid screening activities outlined in former President Biden’s Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.

The bill now awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives. 

###